Wake County Responds to Rising Deed Fraud by Upgrading Owner Alert Protection Services
Recent high-profile case in Raleigh drew national attention when a $4 million property was nearly stolen via a forged deed filed by a complete stranger.
Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 24, 2025 — A disturbing form of real estate crime—deed fraud, also known as title theft—is on the rise across the country, including right here in Wake County. In these scams, criminals forge property documents to illegally transfer ownership of homes and land, often without the knowledge of the rightful owner. Victims may not even realize their property has been stolen until it’s too late.
A recent high-profile case in Raleigh drew national attention when a $4 million property was nearly stolen via a forged deed filed by a stranger. Similar scams have been uncovered in Florida, New York, and Philadelphia.
What Is Deed Fraud?
Deed fraud typically involves forged signatures on quitclaim deeds or other transfer documents. Once recorded at the county level, the scammer may attempt to sell, refinance, or rent out the home. Because these forged documents can appear legitimate on the surface, the fraud may go unnoticed until the victim attempts to sell or refinance the property.
Wake County Strengthens Property Protection with New Fraud Alert System
In response to growing concerns, the Wake County Register of Deeds (ROD) has launched a free “Fraud Alert” system that allows property owners to receive real-time email notifications whenever a document is recorded in their name.
To register:
Visit the Wake County Register of Deeds website and click on the Fraud Notify box (link).
Complete the two-step process to set up alerts under your name or your business name.
Enter names in the format LAST NAME FIRST NAME (e.g., “SMITH JOHN”). You can monitor multiple names or entities, but each must be added individually for complete protection.
You will receive alerts when documents are recorded matching the names you submitted. It’s then your responsibility to verify whether the recording is legitimate.
Legislative Backing: Title Fraud Prevention Act
At the state level, House Bill 535 (link), also known as the Title Fraud Prevention Act, is currently being considered by the North Carolina General Assembly. If passed, the bill will:
Require photo ID for individuals submitting deeds, unless they are trusted professionals, such as attorneys or title insurers.
Authorize registers of deeds to reject suspicious filings.
Establish legal pathways for victims to reclaim stolen property and pursue compensation for damages.
Establish an official fraud detection alert system across North Carolina.
If enacted, the law will be among the strongest in the country to deter and combat property fraud.
Why It Matters
Unlike traditional identity theft, deed fraud can permanently strip a person of their home or land, often their most valuable asset. And since forged documents can be legally recorded, reclaiming property can require costly legal battles.
While criminal prosecutions are possible, they are often slow and complex. That’s why early detection is critical.
What You Can Do
Sign up for Wake County’s free alert system through the Register of Deeds website (link).
Monitor any alerts carefully and investigate suspicious filings.
Contact the Register of Deeds Office at (919) 856-5460 for help with the alert system or suspicious documents.
Property owners are encouraged to act now rather than wait until fraud strikes.